Going Local
by Sarah AndertEating and purchasing local goods can:
• Protect local character and prosperity.
• Promote community well-being and build strong neighborhoods by connecting residents to area farmers and other locally owned businesses.
• Preserve genetic diversity in plant species and provide a broader range of product choices that are not controlled by large-scale, commercial agriculture or national sales plans.
• Maintain a healthy environment by supporting small farmers who value sustainable farming practices and untainted natural resources, while enabling them to stay in business rather than sell their land for development.
• Prevent the destruction of open spaces, urban sprawl and habitat and wildlife loss associated with big-box retailers.
• Support and sustain the local economy by putting money directly in the hands of farmers.
• Reduce energy use and shrink your carbon footprint by consuming products that have traveled shorter distances and often require less packaging. " Andert
